May 8, 2011 - Under the Dock

As viewed from under the Clinton ferry terminal, the 328 foot ferry M/V Cathlamet approaches the dock at Clinton on the southern end of Whidbey Island   One of six Issaquah-class ferries it was built in 1981 and refitted in 1991.  It carries about 124 vehicles on each 20 minute crossing between the Mukilteo on the mainland and Clinton.  On a typical weekday the Cathlamet and her sister vessel, Kitsap, will make 21 round trips between the two points beginning at 4:40am and the last run leaving Clinton at 12:30am. 

Washington State Ferries, with 21 vessels, operates the largest fleet in the US.  There are three classes of ferries larger than the Issaquah-class, with the largest class being 460 feet in length.